The Fate of the Hashira: A Comprehensive Look at the Demise in Demon Slayer

In the world of Demon Slayer, the elite warriors of the Demon Slayer Corps who have proven their exceptional skills are honored with the esteemed title of Hashira. This group is comprised of nine formidable individuals, including renowned members such as Kyojuro Rengoku, Giyu Tomoka, and Shinobu Kocho. They possess extraordinary abilities and serve as both comrades and mentors to the main characters in the manga.

As the immensely gripping story of Demon Slayer progresses towards its final chapter, the high-stakes nature of their battles inevitably leads to casualties. However, it raises the question: how many of the esteemed Hashira have fallen? While there are always nine active members, it's important to note that some of them are actually successors to previous Hashira. So, all in all, how many Hashira have met their demise?

Hashira deaths in Demon Slayer: The Old and the most recent explored

The current Hashira deaths

Rengoku, peaceful in his final moments. (Image via Ufotable)

Rengoku's ultimate battle against Akaza, one of the Upper Moon demons, during the final moments of Mugen Train, remains one of the most iconic scenes in Demon Slayer. Though he doesn't succeed in killing Akaza, Rengoku inflicts severe injuries on the powerful demon, ultimately disarming him and forcing him to retreat. Rengoku's unwavering determination serves as a testament to his immense strength.

In a cruel twist of fate, Shinobu tragically meets her end at the hands of Doma, the same demon responsible for her sister's demise. As Kanao and Inosuke make their way to the battlefield, Shinobu is tragically absorbed by the demon, leaving her proteges to witness the devastating aftermath.

Doma is later found to have anticipated her demise, as Shinobu had been ingesting wisteria poison in order to weaken him in the event of a battle. As a result, he becomes considerably debilitated, leading to the triumph of the two demon slayers over Doma. Shinobu, in particular, achieves her long-awaited vengeance.

Muichiro Tokito's untimely demise adds to the tragedy of his youth as one of the youngest members of the Hashira. He faces an insurmountable disadvantage in a sword fight against Kokushibo, the Demon King's most formidable servant. Despite his courageous last stand, Muichiro falls victim to the Upper Moon's blade.

Meanwhile, Mitsuri Kanjori, Obanai Iguro, and Gyomei Himajima, three other Hashira, manage to survive until the downfall of Demon King Muzan. However, their arduous battles have left them mortally wounded, with their lives slipping away.

Kanjori breathes her last in Iguro's embrace, the solemn Serpent Hashira confessing his affection for her just moments before his own demise, yearning for a reunion in a future existence. Additionally, Gyomei, the Stone Hashira, passes away shortly after Muzan. Nevertheless, he finds solace in transitioning to the afterlife, secure in the knowledge that he has successfully thwarted Muzan's tyrannical rule over the world.

Hashiras of the past: How did they die?

Jigoro Kuwajima, Zenitsu's mentor, is seen comforting his student in this image by Ufotable. In the world of Demon Slayer, there are several former Hashira who held the esteemed rank before the events of the story. Among them is Jigoro, who trained both Zenitsu and Kaigaku. However, Kaigaku eventually betrayed his position and succumbed to the powers of a demon. Overwhelmed with shame, Jigoro chose to take his own life through seppuku.

Kanae Kocho, the gentle and soft-spoken sister of Shinobu, tragically lost her life in battle against Doma, one of the Upper Moon Demons. It is her sacrifice that fuels Shinobu's determination to become a Demon Slayer herself. Eventually, Shinobu achieves her goal and joins the Hashira as the Insect Hashira, a fitting tribute to Kanae's previous role as the Flower Hashira.

As for the remaining three former Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki (Tanjiro's and Giyu's mentor), Tengen Uzui, and Shinjuro Rengoku (Kyojuro's father), they all choose to retire from their positions as Hashira. They either pass on their responsibilities to younger members or are compelled to retire due to injuries.

Conclusion

The sacrifices of the Hashida led to a world free of demons. (Image via Koyouto Gotouge)

In total, a total of eight Hashiras perished. Two met their demise before the events of the story unfold, while Rengoku meets his end during the Mugen Train arc. The remaining five Hashiras meet their tragic fate in the final arc of Demon Slayer, known as the Infinity Castle. Interestingly, this number is quite remarkable as it is almost equal to the default count of Hashiras, falling just one short of nine.

Ultimately, destiny bestowed upon those who sacrificed their lives a chance to be reborn in a more prosperous era, many generations later, where they could enjoy a peaceful existence devoid of the once-dominant demons.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I feel a deep connection to the world of Demon Slayer and the tragic fates of the Hashira. Their sacrifices and unwavering determination in the face of overwhelming odds resonate strongly with me. The story of Rengoku's final battle against Akaza is particularly poignant, as it showcases his unwavering commitment to protecting others, even at the cost of his own life.

Moreover, the tragic demise of Shinobu at the hands of Doma adds a profound layer of emotion to the narrative. Her calculated plan to weaken the demon through wisteria poison demonstrates her strategic mindset and unwavering dedication to avenging her sister's death. The subsequent triumph of Kanao and Inosuke over Doma serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Hashira and their unwavering commitment to defeating evil.